Reversible pillow and storage device

ABSTRACT

A reversible pillow having a first panel with a seam located around its perimeter. A first flap is attached to a portion of the first panel at the seam. A second flap is attached to another portion of the first panel at the seam. The second flap is overlapping with the first flap. The panel, the first flap and the second flap are attached to each other to define a first storage compartment. A fastener is attached to the pair of flaps adapted to secure the flaps closed over the first storage compartment. The reversible pillow is adapted to switch between: a first position, in which the pair of flaps overlap to cover the storage compartment, and a second position, reversed from the first position, in which the first panel and the pair of flaps are turned inside-out defining a second storage compartment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/768,666, filed Nov. 16, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety into this disclosure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to a reversible pillow that is capable of storing other materials therein. More specifically, the reversible pillow may maintain a similar shape in both a first and a second position, while also providing the ability to store materials therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pillows are often reserved for remaining in a house or other indoor conditions. Many times, however, a user would like to have a pillow available for use during travel and other on-the-go times. Similarly, during these times, the user would likely need to carry several other items along. Therefore, a need arises to have a pillow that is capable of remaining clean and also able to store other items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components or steps, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of reversible pillow and storage device according to this subject disclosure in a first closed flap position.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the reversible pillow showing an internal compartment through a first open flap position.

FIG. 7 is a top view of FIG. 6 placing an object into the first internal compartment of the reversible pillow and storage device.

FIG. 8 is a top view of FIG. 6 wherein the object is placed further into the first internal compartment.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the reversible pillow and storage device placed back into the first closed flap position with an object disposed within the first internal compartment.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the reversible pillow and storage device having a set of pajamas disposed in the first compartment.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the reversible pillow and storage device having a different type of objects disposed in the first compartment.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the reversible pillow and storage device having an obtuse object disposed in the first internal compartment.

FIG. 13 is a top view of FIG. 12 showing the object disposed further into the first internal compartment.

FIG. 14 is a first step in reversing the reversible pillow and storage device.

FIG. 15 is a second step in reversing the reversible pillow and storage device.

FIG. 16 is a third step in reversing the reversible pillow and storage device.

FIG. 17 is a fourth step in reversing the reversible pillow and storage device.

FIG. 18 is a reversed rear view of the reversible pillow in a second closed flap position.

FIG. 19 is a reversed front view of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a reversed rear view of the reversible pillow in a second closed flap position having a loop handle.

FIG. 21 is a reversed front view of FIG. 20 having a loop handle.

FIG. 22 illustrates an cape blanket.

FIGS. 23-24 show an exemplary play pattern of wearing the reversible pillow and the cape blanket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular embodiments of this subject disclosure will now be described in greater detail with reference to the figures.

FIGS. 1-5 show various views of a reversible pillow 10 according to this subject disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the reversible pillow 10 has a first side with a first flap 70 that overlaps a second flap 80. On the reverse side shown in FIG. 2, the reversible pillow 10 has a first panel 40. The first panel 40 is attached to the first flap 70 and the second flap 80 at various seams 60, 60 a, 60 b, 60 c, 60 d.

The first panel 40 has a first side 20 (shown in FIG. 18) and a second side 42 (shown in FIG. 2) on opposite sides of the center seam 60. The first flap 70, the second flap 80 and the first panel 40 form a first internal compartment 22. The first internal compartment 22 is bordered internally by the first side 20, a second surface 74 of the first flap 70, and a second surface 84 of the second flap 80 (shown in a reversible configuration in FIGS. 16-17). As shown in FIG. 1, the first flap 70 and the second flap 80 cover the first side 20.

FIGS. 1-6 shows that the reversible pillow 10 has a first closed flap position 90, in which the first panel 40, the first flap 70 and the second flap 80 cover the first internal compartment 22. In other words, the first flap 70 and the second flap 80 prevent direct access to the first internal compartment 22. As shown in FIG. 1, in this first closed flap position 90, a first surface 72 of the first flap 70 is facing outward and accessible to the touch of a user, while a first surface 82 of the second flap 80 is also facing outward and accessible to the touch of a user.

The seams 60 are provided in more detail as follows and as shown in FIGS. 1-2. The first panel 40 includes a seam 60 located around its perimeter. In particular, the first panel 40 includes a first seam 60 a along a first edge. A second seam 60 b is provided along a second edge parallel to the first edge on the first panel 40. A third seam 60 c is provided along a lateral edge on first panel 40, and a fourth seam 60 d is also provided on a second lateral edge parallel to the third seam on the first panel 40. As shown, the first flap 70 is attached to the first seam 60 a, part of the third seam 60 c and part of the fourth seam 60 d. The second flap 80 is attached to the second seam 60 b, part of the third seam 60 c and part of the fourth seam 60 d. The first 70 and second flap 80 are positioned in an overlapping manner. For simplicity, the various seams will be referred to as a seam 60 or the seams 60.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the first surface 72 of the first flap 70 and the first surface 82 of the second flap 80 may be made of a plush and soft material. These surfaces, however, can be made of any suitable material to protect an interior of the reversible pillow. For example, the material may be soft and plush for a child user to easily and comfortable carry around and snuggle up to. In other applications, such as camping or traveling, the material may be tougher and more durable, such as nylon, fleece or the like to endure harsh environmental conditions. Furthermore, these surfaces 72, 82 may be made of the same type of materials or even a variety of different materials. For example, the first surface 72 of the first flap 70 may be a tougher, more durable material, while the first surface 82 of the second flap 80 may be a soft material.

Within the first panel 40, the first flap 70, the second flap 80 and/or any other panel or flap stuffing may be provided. All panels may have a layer of polyester stuffing contained within which would make the reversible pillow 10 soft and cuddly. Various types of stuffing may be provided, such as but not limited to: styrofoam beads, foam. cotton fibers, artificial fibers, buckwheat hulls, memory foam, feathers, down and/or any other suitable material capable of providing a soft effect to the user.

Alternatively, the stuffing used to fluff and soften the reversible pillow 10 could be clothing disposed inside of the internal compartment to provide padding when using it to sleep or rest. An example where space would be important to minimize may be during camping. As such, the clothing or other soft materials can provide the soft stuffing for use with the reversible pillow 10.

FIG. 2 shows that in the first closed flap position 90, second side 40 of reversible pillow 10 is accessible to the touch of the user. Furthermore, FIG. 2 also demonstrates that there may be a zipper 46 or other fastener to allow and/or prevent access to a side pocket 48. Disposed on the second side 40. The side pocket 48 can be useful in storing small objects such as iPads, phones, charging cables and/or other similarly sized objects.

FIGS. 1-3 demonstrate that a handle 62 may be attached to the reversible pillow 10 along the center seam 60 or elsewhere according to this subject disclosure. The handle 62 can also be useful as a hook 162 (such as shown in FIGS. 20-21) or other similar structures for assisting a user in transporting the device or object 7.

FIGS. 3-4 and 18 show that the first side 20 and the second side 40 of the reversible pillow 10 are attached to each other via the center seam 60. The center seam 60 also provides the reversible pillow 10 the flexibility to have different types of material on the first 20 or second 40 side. Similar to the flaps 70, 80, the first and second sides 20, 40 may take on a wide variety of different materials including, but not limited to, cotton, polyester, nylon, fleece, rubber and the like.

FIGS. 3-5 shows that the first and second flaps 70, 80 may be sewn into the center seam 60. As further shown in FIG. 5, the flaps 70, 80 may be sewn into lateral portions of the center seam 60 as well. In the first closed flap position 90, this attachment to lateral portions of the center seam 60 allows for further securement of the flaps 70, 80 so that they provide a tight and secure fit, preventing excessively large access to the first internal compartment 22.

Although the first flap 70 is shown to overlap the second flap 80, it is to be understood that the first flap 70 and the second flap 80 may be interchangeable in that any orientation in overlapping each other is possible. Various overlapping configurations are possible, for example, the first flap 70 and the second flap 80 may each have portions that overlap the other flap.

FIG. 5 also illustrates that ears, appendages or other protrusions 64 may be attached to the center seam 60. These protrusions 64 can also be useful as handles or as functional design elements. Alternatively, other protrusions can be attached, such as tags or the like for consumer information.

FIGS. 6-9 demonstrate several methods by which a user may take to store objects inside of a first internal compartment 22.

FIG. 6 shows that the first and second flaps 70, 80 may be spread apart by a user into a first open flap position 92 such that access to the first internal compartment 22 is readily available through a first opening 24 between the flaps 70, 80. In both the first closed flap position 90 and the first open flap position 92, the first internal compartment 22 is formed between the first panel 40, the first flap 70 and the second flap 80.

FIGS. 7-13 illustrate various objects 7 stored within the first internal compartment 22 of the reversible pillow 10. For example, a blanket, a set of pajamas (FIG. 10), a laptop, tablet and headphones (FIG. 11) or even an obtuse shape toy (FIGS. 12-13), being placed within the first compartment 22.

FIG. 9 demonstrates that the first and second flaps 70,80 may then be placed back together and closed over the object 7 to reform to the first closed flap position 90, so that the objects 7 may be secured within the first compartment 22.

It is to be understood that in each step of storing objects 7 inside of the first internal compartment 22, the reversible pillow 10 maintains a generally pillow-like shape, such that a user may easily transport the object 7, or even access the compartment in during travel. Furthermore, in the stored configuration, the user is allowed to utilize the reversible pillow 10 as a pillow during any step.

FIGS. 14-17 demonstrate various steps for reversing the reversible pillow 10.

FIG. 14 shows the reversible pillow 10 with the first flap 70 being spread apart and opened by pulling the flaps 70, 80 away from each other into the first open flap position 92, such that access to the first internal compartment 22 is readily available.

FIG. 15 shows the flaps 70, 80 are spread apart and away from each other into the first open flap position 92, such that access to the first side 20 is readily available. A portion 29 of the first side 20 is pulled out of and through the first opening 24.

FIG. 16 further portrays the first flap 70 is reversed and flipped backward around the reversible pillow 10, such that the second side 42 (not shown) is partially covered and the first side 20 is almost fully uncovered.

FIG. 17 demonstrates the second flap 80 is also flipped backward around the reversible pillow into a second open flap position 96, such that the second side 40 is completely covered by the flaps 70, 80. In this configuration, the first surface 74 of the first flap 70, the first surface 82 of the second flap 80 and the surface 42 from the first panel 40 form the inner lining for the second inner compartment 43.

It is to be understood that in each step of reversing the reversible pillow 10, the reversible pillow 10 maintains a generally pillow-like shape, such that a user may easily transport the object 7 or even utilize the reversible pillow 10 as a pillow during any step. Alternatively, on either side, the shape of the reversible pillow 10 may be different to resemble other animals, objects, characters or the like.

FIG. 17 illustrates the second open flap position 96. In the second open flap position 96, the first and second flaps 70, 80 are spread apart such that there is access to a second internal compartment 43 through a second opening 44 in between the flaps 70, 80. The second compartment 43 may be of a similarly sized compartment as the first compartment 22 (as shown in FIGS. 6-9). Similarly, storing objects 7 in the second compartment 43 may be accomplished by following the steps similar to those demonstrated in FIGS. 6-9.

FIGS. 18-19 show a second closed flap position 94, in which the reversible pillow 10 is reversed from FIG. 1. In the second closed flap position 94, the first side 20, the second surface 74 of the first flap 70 and the second surface 84 of the second flap 70 are completely facing outward and are configured on the outer side of the reversible pillow 10, while the second side 42 is completely covered by the first and second flaps 70, 80. The first and second flaps 70, 80 remain attached to the center seam 60, a second surface 74 of the first flap 70 and a second surface 84 of the second flap 70 are both now accessible from the outside. In other words, the second surface 74 of the first flap and the second surface 84 of the second flap are now facing outwards, while the first and second surfaces 72, 82 of the flaps 70, 80 facing inwards.

Similar to the first surface 72 of the first flap 70 and the first surface 82 of the second flap 80, the second surfaces 74, 84 may be made of a plush and soft material. These surfaces 74, 84, however, can be made of any suitable material to protect an interior of the reversible pillow. For example, the material may be soft and plush for a child user to easily and comfortable carry around. In other applications, such as camping or traveling, the material may be tougher, such as nylon, fleece or the like. Furthermore, these surfaces 74, 84 may be made of the same type of materials or even a variety of different materials. For example, the second surface 74 of the first flap 70 may be a tougher material, while the second surface 84 of the second flap 80 may be a soft material. Similarly, the first surfaces 72, 82 and the second surfaces 74, 84 may be of the same type of materials or even a variety of different materials.

Furthermore, the second opening 44 (shown in FIG. 17) to access the second internal compartment 43 is shut by the first and second flaps 70, 80. More specifically, the first flap 70 is now partially covered by the second flap 80. However, it is to be understood again that the first flap 70 and the second flap 80 may have any orientation in overlapping each other. For example, the first flap 70 and the second flap 80 may each have portions that overlap the other flap.

Referring back to FIG. 14, a fastener 76 may be attached to the second surface 74 of the first flap 70 and a mating fastener 86 attached to the first surface 82 of the second flap 80. The fastener 76 and the mating fastener 86 help secure the flaps 70, 80 together to allow and/or prevent access to the first opening 24 and the first compartment 22. FIG. 14 also demonstrates that the mating fastener 86 can be the material of the first surface 82 of the second flap 80. Furthermore, in the first closed flap position 90, the fasteners 76, 86 also allow the first side 20 to remain sanitary and free from external contaminants.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, in the second open and closed positions 94, 96, the fastener 76 is disposed on the second surface 74 of the first flap 70, which can still mate with the fasting fastener 86 attached to the first surface 82 of the second flap 80. Therefore, the fasteners 76, 86 still help secure the flaps 70, 80 together to allow and/or prevent access to the second opening 44 and the second compartment 43. Furthermore, in the second closed flap position 94, the fasteners 76, 86 also allow the second internal compartment 43 to remain sanitary and free from external contaminants.

It is to be understood that the placement of the fasteners 76, 86 can take any suitable combination to allow proper securement of the first and/or second compartments, 22, 43. While not shown, the first flap 70 can be designed to fold inward, such that the fastener 76 is disposed on an inwardly folded portion of the first surface 72 of the first flap 70. This inwardly folded portion of the first surface 72 of the first flap 70 can then mate with either an outwardly folded portion of the second surface 84 of the second flap 80 or any other suitable orientation of the second flap 80 or vice versa. Furthermore, various other types of fasteners are also possible, such as zippers, buttons or the like.

It is to be understood that different designs may be used on the first and second flap 70, 80. The designs may provide different locations for apertures, through which wires or other thin materials may fit therethrough, such as a charging cable for a phone or a wire for headphones. The apertures may be disposed through any flap or panel or any other surface to suitably allow wires or other thin materials to fit therethrough.

Although not shown, it is also contemplated that side pockets may be disposed on any panel 40 or flap 70, 80. Likewise, there may be a zipper or other fastener to allow and/or prevent access to the side pocket. As mentioned, the side pockets can also be useful in storing small objects such as iPads, phones, charging cables and other similarly sized objects.

FIGS. 22-24 illustrate the use of the reversible pillow 10 and an object 7, such as a cape blanket 100 as a play pattern costume and related dress-up feature. Various play patterns are possible according to this subject disclosure. The reversible pillow 10 may be embodied for use with a set to include the cape blanket 100 or other item.

In particular, FIG. 22 shows an exemplary object 7 being used for fun and embodied as a cape blanket 100. As shown in FIG. 22, the cape blanket 100 includes a fastener 101, one of which is a male fastener 102 and the other which is the female fastener 104.

As shown in FIGS. 23-24, the reversible pillow 10 may include other dress-up accessories that can be stored within the internal compartments 22, 43, such as for example, but not limited to: monster socks/booties, a tail, and/or any other item included as part of the costume lay pattern.

In FIGS. 23-24, the reversible pillow 10 is illustrated as a decorative and functional hat capable of being worn on a user's head. Alternatively, the reversible pillow 10 may also be used as a mask, such as when the eyes of the character embodied by the reversible pillow 10 are cut out on at least one of the flaps 70, 80.

The use of the reversible pillow 10 and a cape blanket 100 or other item capable of being stored within the storage compartment of the reversible pillow 10 can be used in a fun and animated manner.

As shown in FIGS. 23-24, the reversible pillow 10 is worn as a hat or helmet, and a cape blanket 100 is used as a cape with which the user can wrap around their neck to transform themselves into a fun action hero. When finished, the user can fold and store the cape blanket 100 within the internal storage compartment 22 of the reversible pillow 10 according to this subject disclosure.

The illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It is understood therefore that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment which is described, but is intended to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

What is claimed:
 1. A reversible pillow comprising: a first panel with a seam located around its perimeter; a first flap attached to a portion of the first panel at the seam; a second flap attached to another portion of the first panel at the seam and is overlapping with the first flap, wherein the first panel, the first flap and the second flap are attached to each other to define a first storage compartment; and a fastener attached to the pair of flaps adapted to secure the flaps closed over the first storage compartment, the reversible pillow is adapted to switch between: a first position, in which the pair of flaps overlap to cover the storage compartment, and a second position, reversed from the first position, in which the first panel and the pair of flaps are turned inside-out defining a second storage compartment.
 2. The reversible pillow recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first panel, the first flap or the second flap has a pocket disposed therein.
 3. The reversible pillow recited in claim 2, wherein the pocket has a zipper closure.
 4. The reversible pillow recited in claim 1, wherein a first material lining of the first storage compartment is different from a second lining of the second storage compartment.
 5. The reversible pillow recited in claim 4, wherein at least one of material linings is a durable material capable of enduring harsh outside environments.
 6. The reversible pillow recited in claim 4, wherein at least one of material linings is a soft material.
 7. The reversible pillow recited in claim 1, wherein the reversible pillow resembles a character.
 8. The reversible pillow recited in claim 7, wherein the character has appendages extending from the seams.
 9. The reversible pillow recited in claim 1, wherein the reversible pillow has a loop or handle attached thereto.
 10. The reversible pillow recited in claim 1, wherein the reversible pillow includes a blanket with a fastener adapted to be worn as a cape, and wherein the blanket is stored in the storage compartment.
 11. The reversible pillow recited in claim 10, wherein the reversible pillow and the cape are worn as a costume, and wherein the reversible pillow is worn as a hat or head cover.
 12. A reversible pillow comprising: a first panel with a seam located around its perimeter; a first flap attached to a portion of the first panel at the seam; and a second flap attached to another portion of the first panel at the seam and is overlapping with the first flap, wherein the first panel, the first flap and the second flap are attached to each other to define a first storage compartment; and the reversible pillow is adapted to switch between: a first position, in which the pair of flaps overlap to cover the storage compartment, and a second position, reversed from the first position, in which the first panel and the pair of flaps are turned inside-out defining a second storage compartment.
 13. The reversible pillow recited in claim 12, wherein a fastener attached to the first flap and the second flap and is adapted to secure the flaps closed over the first or second storage compartment,
 14. The reversible pillow recited in claim 12, wherein at least one of the first panel, the first flap or the second flap has a pocket disposed therein.
 15. The reversible pillow recited in claim 12, wherein a first material lining of the first storage compartment is different from a second lining of the second storage compartment.
 16. The reversible pillow recited in claim 12, includes a kit comprising: the reversible pillow worn as a hat or head cover, and a blanket having a fastener adapted to be worn as a cape, wherein the blanket is capable of being stored in the storage compartment during non-use, and wherein the reversible pillow and blanket are complimentary parts of a matching costume.
 17. A method of reversing a pillow comprising: providing a first panel with a seam located around its perimeter; attaching a first flap to the first panel along one edge of the seam; attaching a second flap to the first panel along a second edge of the seam so that the first flap and the second flap overlap each other; defining a storage compartment bounded by the first panel, the first flap and the second flap; and switching the reversible pillow between: a first position, in which the pair of flaps overlap to cover the storage compartment, and a second position, reversed from the first position, in which the first panel and the pair of flaps are turned inside out defining a second reversed storage compartment.
 18. The method recited in claim 17, further comprising: securing the pair of flaps to each other over the internal compartment with a fastener.
 19. The method recited in claim 17, further comprising: storing an object within the internal compartment.
 20. The method recited in claim 17, further comprising: wearing the pillow over the head of a user as a hat or mask, and the object stored within as a complimentary article of a costume. 